Unveiling the Unrivalled Contributions of the NPP and Akufo-Addo's Government to Ghana's Digitalization Agenda to diffuse Mahama’s weak fibre optics propaganda

Since 2003, Ghana's journey towards digital transformation has been propelled by visionary leadership and strategic initiatives. Under President Kufuor's administration, a pivotal Committee was appointed to spearhead the establishment of a communication infrastructure company, laying the groundwork for Information Communications Technology (ICT) development. This foresight led to the creation of a robust fibre optic backbone, a cornerstone for the country's burgeoning communications industry.

President Kufuor's commitment to digital advancement saw the inception of the ICT Centre of Excellence, strategically located near the State House in Accra , with collaborative support from the Indian government. The Centre was intended to cater not only for Ghana but also for the entire Sub-Region. (https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Government-to-develop-fibre-optic-backbone-32838)

Nevertheless, it is worrying to observe that following Dr. Bawumia address on the Bold Solution for the Future, which delineated significant advancements in the realm of digitalization, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has resorted to a discordant chorus, seeking to wrongly appropriate credit, notably concerning the foundational efforts of Ghana's digitalization journey. The NDC contends that all investments in fibre optics in Ghana were provided by John Mahama, insinuating that Dr. Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are merely reaping the benefits of Mahama's endeavours. Such audacious claims of sole proprietorship over Ghana's digital evolution, particularly attributed to John Mahama, are not only devoid of factual basis but also serve to distort the truth.

Setting the record straight, it is imperative to acknowledge the substantial contributions of previous administrations, including President John Agyekum Kufuor's landmark National Communications Backbone Transmission Project in 2007 at a cost of $70 million. This visionary initiative, with Huawei Technologies at the helm, laid the groundwork for widespread broadband deployment, connecting 10 regional capitals with the capacity to be extended to neighbouring Burkina Faso. The initial phase of the project involved enhancing and extending the current optical fibre network within the Southern loop and deploying transmission terminal equipment across 23 different locations, reaching as far as Tamale. (https://www.modernghana.com/news/141040/president-kufuor-performs-ceremony-to-begin-work-on-broadban.html )

Fast forward to 2018, under a direct supervision of Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana witnessed the commencement of the Western Corridor Fibre Optic Infrastructure Project in Takoradi. This private sector-led endeavour, in collaboration with Huawei and Spectrum Fibre Company, injected *$42 million* into laying over *881 kilometres* of inland fibre optic cables to bolster broadband connectivity across key towns such as Takoradi, Atuabo, Elubo, Enchi, Amoya, Asawinso, Sefwi Wiawso, Awaso and Bibiani. The loop which further connected some major towns in the Brong Ahafo, including Goaso, Berekum, ends in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. (https://dailyguidenetwork.com/bawumia-cuts-sod-for-42m-fibre-optic-project/ )

The $38million Eastern Corridor Fibre optic project which Mahama claims to be his contribution to fibre optic connectivity was not his original idea. It is a fact that, as far back as 2003, President Kuffour had already began the initiative to link Ghana with Burkina-Faso. Hence, the Easter corridor fibre optic project to link Ghana with Burkina Faso, is not John Mahama's initiative. He is clueless about the Genesis of the project.

Furthermore, the extension of the Eastern Corridor Fibre Optic backbone project to link Ho with submarine cables in Accra, executed under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, exemplifies their unwavering commitment to nationwide digital inclusivity. This initiative, executed by Nokia-Alcatel-Lucent Denmark, underscores a proactive approach to bridging digital divides and fostering socio-economic development. (https://www.businessworldghana.com/govt-complete-fibre-optic-project-2020-minister/ )

It is undeniable that among the six licensed fibre optics entities in Ghana, the Nana/Bawumia administration alone has granted licenses to five of them. As of 2021, the cumulative licensed fiber optics network in Ghana amounted to *6,343 kilometres*. Within this total, *5,610 kilometres* were licensed during the tenure of the Nana/Bawumia administration. Consequently, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has overseen 88% of the National Communications Authority (NCA) licensed investments in fiber optic cables in Ghana.

Basic facts:

1. John Mahama did not lay the foundation of Fibre optics in Ghana
2. The NPP has made more investments in fibre optics connectivity than the NDC
3. The NPP has licenced more fibre optics entities in Ghana than the NDC – 5 out of 6
4. Between 2017 and 2021, theAkufo-Addo/Bawumia administration has overseen over 5 thousand kilometres of fibre optics construction out of a total of over 6 thousand since independence.

I do not want to bore you with Dr Bawumia and NPP’s efforts towards improving the digital space in Ghana. It is a topic for another symposium. But, never forget that Dr Bawumia cut NDC’s $1.2bn Mobile Money interoperability cost to just $4.5m. Ghanaians don’t have short memory

The journey towards digitalization in Ghana is a collective endeavour, guided by strategic foresight, unwavering commitment, and decisive action. The unparalleled contributions of the NPP and Akufo-Addo's government stand as a testament to vision of the NPP for a digitally inclusive and prosperous Ghana.

Continue to Believe in the NPP and its Flagbearer, Dr Bawumia.

Indeed, it is possible.
James McKeown
Helsinki, Finland